GB2323776A

GB2323776A - A mop bucket with a filter

Info

Publication number: GB2323776A
Application number: GB9806730A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Terence Singleton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-01
Filing date: 1998-03-30
Publication date: 1998-10-07
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-30
Also published as: GB9806730D0; GB2323776B

Abstract

A mop bucket is divided into two main compartments 9,11 by a partition 4. Within compartment 11 is a filter compartment 10 containing a resilient filter 14. The filter compartment has an aperture 7 in a wall, which in the embodiment is common with the partition wall, this aperture communicating with the compartment 9. The upper end of the filter compartment is closed by a movable compression plate 5 which has apertures 7 for allowing entry of liquid from compartment 11. Mounted above the filter compartment on two guides is a mop wringing device 3. The arrangement is such that the container is filled in both compartments 9, 11 to below the top of the partition 4. The mop is wetted in compartment 11 and wrung out in device 3. By pressing down on device 3 the compression plate compresses the filter and cleaning solution is forced through the filter and into compartment 9 via the communicating aperture 7. Subsequent wringing of the mop causes dirt to be filtered out of the cleaning solution and thus there is always clean solution available in compartment 9 for mopping. The wringing device may be of the mechanical sort.

Description

MOP BUCKET BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Mop Buckets are well known and are used in the cleaning of surfaces, they comprise of a receptacle for fluid and a mop squeezer for the extraction of fluid from the mop.

MOPPING PROCEDURE.

The procedure for single solution mopping requires the operative to soak the mop and squeeze the excess fluid out then proceed to mop the floor surface, rinse the mop in the same solution, then squeeze the dirty solution from the mop. This action is repeated frequently, consequently the solution soon becomes filthy and hygiene standards are compromised.

It has been well known in the prior art to divide a bucket into two compartments, one for washing and the other for rinsing, also to connect them via a passage as in Sorrells U.S. 4161799 to facilitate displacement, also the use of a static filter member across the aperture as in Mcluskie G.B.2260691 the systems being gravity fed from dirty to clean.

None the less known are circulatory systems as in Nichols U.S.

1 326682 where the water is electrically pumped up through a static filter in to a diffuser and as in Vazquez G.B. 1 520839 a spring loaded device elevates the water through a static filter to a bowl like drainer The present invention provides the means of a resilient filtration, the filter is located in a compartment at the base of the bucket, covered by a compression plate, when the plate is depressed a volume of water surges through the filter and via apertures in to the 'Dip' compartment, to such an extent that the water in the 'Dip' compartment may exceed, in hight, that of the rinse compartment and ebbing may take place from clean to dirty.

The surge and ebbing action facilitates secondary filtration when the plate is again depressed.

This invention concerns a mop bucket and more particularly such apparatus of the kind comprising of three compartments, the smaller of which is suitable for a resilient filter and a compression plate with apertures for the directional movement of fluid.

When the compression plate is depressed against the resilient filter the fluid contained therein is forced through the filter and out through apertures in to the adjacent 'dip' compartment.

A mop squeezing device maybe releaseably connected to the compression plate via elongate guide means, additionally the preferred squeezer is not restricted in movement up or down and may be depressed by direct physical pressure, via a mop and handle or through other mechanical means.

When pressure is removed the resilience of the filter raises the compression plate to its original position and at the same time fills with solution, a succession of this 'surge action' raises the level of fluid in the adjacent 'dip' compartment, upon secession 'ebbing' from the 'dip' compartment takes place, facilitating secondary filtration.

A further and clearer understanding of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to a embodiment.

FIGURE 1. schematically illustrates the relevant embodiment.

The embodiment of figure 1.

comprises bucket body 2.; mop squeezer device 3.; division panel 4.; compression plate 5.; squeezer guides 6.; filter apertures 7.; resilient filter 14.; compartment 9.; compartment 10.; compartment 11.

According to the present invention there comprises a bucket, sub divided in to three compartments, compartment 9 for filtered solution, compartment 10 contains a resilient filter and compression plate, compartment 11 has provision for the squeezer device and sump.

The bucket is filled to the appropriate level in both compartment 9 and 11. that being a level above compartment 10 but below the hight of the division panel 4.

The operative soaks the mop in the sump compartment 11. and squeezes the excess out in the squeezer 3. the pressure exerted, either physical or mechanical is transferred via the guide means 6. to the compression plate 5. and forces the solution through the filter in compartment 10, and through apertures into compartment 9.

The operative would then use solution from compartment 9 to mop the surface, returning to rinse the mop in compartment 11 then starts the whole process again.

Claims

CLAIMS While the invention has been described with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment, it is not intended to be limited thereby, and is in fact capable of variation within the scope of the appendant claims.

Claim 1. An open top container having a bottom and enclosing walls, vertical partition means within the container for dividing the bucket as to form a filter compartment with directional aperture at the base, a resilient filter therewith covered by a compression plate, therein directional apertures, and operable by direct pressure.
Claim 2. A container as claimed in claim 1. wherein vertical guide means are located as to direct pressure from a mop squeezer to the compression plate.
Claim 3. A container as claimed in claim 1. and 2. wherein a mop squeezer is releasable connected with the compression plate and has unrestricted vertical movement up and down.
Claim 4. A container as claimed in claims 1. 2. 3. wherein the compression plate is depressed by the use of physical or mechanical means.

Claim 5 A container as claimed in claim 4 that has a handle and or wheels for the ease of movement. (not shown).